Media Release

TBDSSAB Announces Capital Projects through Social Services Relief Funding

February 18, 2022 – The District of Thunder Bay Social Services Administration Board is announcing new capital projects funded locally through the province’s Social Services Relief Fund.

The Social Services Relief Fund is part of the up to $4 billion being provided to Ontario municipalities under the federal-provincial Safe Restart Agreement through the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. The Agreement will help municipalities protect the health and well-being of the people of Ontario while delivering critical public services, such as public transit and shelters, as the province continues down the path of economic recovery.

TBDSSAB has received multiple pockets of funding through SSRF since its inception in 2020. While most of the SSRF has been designated for operational costs, TBDSSAB received $2.9M in 2020 to support capital projects. The funding for capital projects is a welcome investment that will see long-term impacts in homelessness prevention.

A total of 7 initiatives from 6 organizations across the District of Thunder Bay have received funding for capital projects through the Social Services Relief Fund, totaling $2,936,000.

Dilico Anishinabek Family Care, to support the acquisition and updating of space that will be utilized as Indigenous Mental Health and Addictions Transitional Supportive Housing. $800,000
Grace Place, to fund retrofits and upgrades to existing Emergency Shelter, servicing clients experiencing homelessness, with the goal of increasing Health and Safety and distancing due to COVID-19 concerns. $231,000
John Howard Society, to fund retrofits and upgrades to existing Transitional Housing for clients reintegrating into the community. $52,000
Marjorie House, to fund retrofits and upgrades to the existing Emergency Shelter servicing survivors of domestic violence. $77,000
Matawa First Nations Management, to support the Matawa Family Crisis Shelter project, which will act as Supportive Housing and assist families via safe and secure accommodation (6 units), and the creation of a new community kitchen teaching facility to promote life skills and stabilization. $981,000
Matawa First Nations Management, to support the creation of 6 new youth shelter bed spaces and support areas. $600,000
Urban Abbey, to fund retrofits and upgrades to existing Emergency Shelter for clients experiencing homelessness and increase capacity from 4 to 10 beds. $195,000
TOTAL $2,936,000

Quotes:

“Our government is providing immediate housing and homelessness program relief in communities across northern Ontario. By investing $2.9 million in the Thunder Bay area, we continue to support local innovative housing solutions to protect our most vulnerable in every corner of our province.” – Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing

“On behalf of the Board, I want to thank The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing for understanding the need for pandemic relief funding that supports our communities’ homeless population. I also want to thank the six organizations who valiantly took on the seven projects that will have lasting positive impacts for our District. We are thrilled that this capital investment through SSRF will increase our housing system’s capacity for homelessness prevention through transitional housing options as well as shelter spaces. This is a major success for The District of Thunder Bay.”– Lucy Kloosterhuis, Board Chair, TBDSSAB

“This capital funding came just at the right time. We had a list of projects without funding on the table. COVID-19 brought a lot of challenges and having the ability to install a filtration system/air conditioning, a new commercial washer and dryer, dishwasher/sanitation and install a new intake area has made it safer for clients that access Grace Place. New siding and windows for our Transitional Apartments has made our building water-tight. We are very grateful. Thank you TBDSSAB.”– Melody Macsemchuk, Manager, Out of the Cold Program, Grace Place

“On behalf of the Matawa First Nations Management Board of Directors, Matawa First Nations and, our members residing in the city of Thunder Bay—we would like to acknowledge the paradigm-shifting efforts the TBDSSAB have been beginning to make as one of Ontario’s local system managers. With today’s investment into these two capital projects—we will be in a better place to be able to realize the goal of assisting families and youth in an innovative way that makes sense to us. Our gratitude is fully extended.” – Frank Onabigon, Vice-President, Matawa First Nations Management

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